Dispensing blender

ABSTRACT

A dispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. The dispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a jar removably mountable to the base, a collar removably mountable between the base and the jar and a dispensing spout mounted to the collar. At least a portion of the dispensing spout is movable to an open position wherein foodstuff within the jar is able to flow from the jar, through the collar and out of the dispensing spout and a closed position wherein the foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the dispensing spout.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a dispensing blender and, moreparticularly to a blender that includes a spout that dispenses foodstufffrom a blender jar without removing the jar and an attached collar fromthe blender base. The spout is mounted to the collar.

Blenders are a relatively common household or kitchen appliance that areused to blend foodstuff, typically drinks or other foodstuff that isblended into a semi-fluid state. A typical blender includes a base thatencloses a motor housing and a container comprised of a collar and ajar. The collar includes a blending tool rotatably mounted thereto. Theblending tool is rotatably engageable with a drive shaft of the motor inan operating configuration. A foodstuff is placed into the container andthe container is engaged with the base. The foodstuff is blended and thecontainer is removed from the base to dispense or pour the blendedfoodstuff from the mouth of the jar.

It would be desirable to blend foodstuff in the container and dispensethe blended foodstuff directly into a cup or other receptacle withoutremoving the container from the base or the lid from the mouth of theblender container. Additional foodstuff may then be inserted into thecontainer and blended for continuous dispensing of the blended foodstufffrom the container, without removing the container from the base. Inaddition, eliminating the step of removing the container from the baseto dispense the blended foodstuff, in certain situations, eliminates theneed to continuously replace the container onto the base to blendadditional foodstuff. Further, a user is not required to tip and pourblended foodstuff out of the mouth of the relatively heavy containerwhen the foodstuff is dispensed from the dispensing spout.

It would also be desirable to include a cup actuated lever on theblender that opens the dispensing spout when the lever is actuated bythe cup. The mouth of the cup may be positioned under the dispensingspout such that the blended foodstuff flows into the cup upon actuationof the lever.

Further, blending manufacturers are continuously attempting to improveblender performance by various methods including tool operating speeds,tool geometry, blender container geometry and other methods. It would bedesirable to further improve consistency and efficiency of the blenderby manipulating the geometry of the container or the orientation of thetool.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the present application isdirected to a dispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensingthe foodstuff therefrom. The dispensing blender includes a baseenclosing a motor, a jar removably mountable to the base, a collarremovably mountable between the base and the jar and a dispensing spoutmounted to the collar. At least a portion of the dispensing spout ismoveable to an open position wherein foodstuff within the jar flows fromthe jar, through the collar and out of the dispensing spout. Thedispensing spout is also movable to a closed position wherein thefoodstuff within the jar is blocked from flowing out of the dispensingspout.

In another aspect, the present application is directed to a dispensingblender for blending a foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. Thedispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a containerremovably mountable to the base, a dispensing spout mounted to thecontainer and a cup actuation lever mounted to the base. The dispensingspout is actuable to an open position wherein foodstuff within thecontainer is able to flows out of the dispensing spout and a closedposition wherein the foodstuff within the container is blocked fromflowing out of the dispensing spout. The cup actuation lever is movableto a dispensing position wherein the dispensing spout is urged to theopen position and a resting position wherein the dispensing spout isurged to the closed position.

In yet another aspect, the present application is directed to adispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstufftherefrom. The dispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, acontainer removably mountable to the base, a dispensing spout mounted tothe container, a first actuation lever mounted to the container and asecond actuation lever mounted to the container. The dispensing spout ismovable to an open position wherein the blended foodstuff within thecontainer is able to flow out of the dispensing spout and a closedposition wherein the foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of thedispensing spout. The first actuation lever is movable between adispensing position and a resting position. The second actuation leveris movable between an activated position and a blocking position. Thespout is urged to the open position when the first actuation lever is inthe dispensing position or the second actuation lever is in theactivated position.

In another aspect, the present application is directed to a dispensingblender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. Thedispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a containerremovably mountable to the base and a dispensing spout mounted to thecollar. The base is aligned along a vertical axis that is generallyperpendicular to a support surface. The motor includes a drive shaftthat extends along the drive axis. The drive axis is pitched relative tothe vertical axis at a basin angle.

In a further aspect, the present application is directed to a dispensingblender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. Thedispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a containerremovably mountable to the base and a dispensing spout removably mountedto the container. The container is comprised of an outer jar, an innerjar and a collar. The outer jar and inner jar define an insulatingcavity.

In another aspect, the present application is directed to a blender forblending foodstuff including a base enclosing a motor and ajar removablymountable to the base. The motor includes a drive shaft located on adrive axis. An internal surface of the jar is concentric with a verticalaxis in an assembled configuration. The base is aligned on an axisparallel to the vertical axis and the drive axis oriented substantiallynon-parallel to the vertical axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments of the present application, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the dispensing blender described in the presentapplication, there is shown in the drawings, embodiments which arepresently preferred. It should be understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of thedispensing blender of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a partially exploded perspective view of the dispensingblender shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a right-side elevational view of the dispensing blender shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing blender shown in FIG.1, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a greatly magnified, partial cross-sectional view of thedispensing blender shown in FIG. 3 with the dispensing spout in a closedposition;

FIG. 5 is a greatly magnified, partial cross-sectional view of thedispensing blender shown in FIG. 3 with the dispensing spout in an openposition;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a base of the dispensing blender of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a collar of the dispensing blender ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a greatly magnified cross-sectional view of a dispensingblender of a second preferred embodiment showing first and secondactuation levers mounted to the dispensing spout;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a container of the dispensing blender ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a greatly magnified cross-sectional view of the dispensingblender of FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing a blendingtool rotated such that an upwardly extending blade tip is in closeproximity to a first bump of a blending jar;

FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing blender of FIG. 1,taken along line Z-Z of FIG. 10;

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing blender of FIG. 1,taken along line Z-Z of FIG. 10, wherein the blending tool is rotatedsuch that the upwardly extending blade tip is in close proximity to asecond bump of the blending jar; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing blender of FIG. 1,taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper”designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and awayfrom, respectively, the geometric center of the dispensing blender anddesignated parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listedwords, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate likeelements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1-8, first and secondpreferred embodiments of a dispensing blender, generally designated 10,for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff, particularly theblended foodstuff therefrom.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, in the preferred embodiments, the dispensingblender 10 includes a base 12 enclosing a motor 14, a jar 16 removablymountable to the base 12 and a collar 18 removably mountable between thebase 12 and the jar 16.

In the preferred embodiments, the base 12 and the collar 18 areconstructed of a generally rigid polymeric material that is able towithstand the normal operating conditions of the base 12 and the collar18 and take on the general shape of the base 12 and the collar 18.Specifically, the base 12 and the collar 18 are preferably constructedof an injection molded polymeric material. One having ordinary skill inthe art will realize that the base 12 and collar 18 are not limited toconstructions comprised of an injection molded polymeric material andmay be constructed of nearly any, generally rigid material that is ableto take on the general shape and withstand the typical operatingconditions of the base 12 and the collar 18.

The jar 16 is preferably constructed of a transparent, generally rigidmaterial that is able to withstand the normal operating conditions ofthe jar 16. The preferred jar 16 is constructed of a generally rigid,injection molded polymeric material that is at least partiallytransparent such that foodstuff within the jar 16 may be viewed by auser. The preferred jar 16 also includes a handle 16 a and a lid 20 thatis removably mountable to a mouth 16 b of the jar 16 to enclosefoodstuff within the jar 16. The jar 16 is not limited to beingconstructed of a transparent material or to being constructed of aninjection molded polymeric material and may be constructed of nearlyany, generally rigid material that is able to take on the general shapeof the jar 16 and withstand the normal operating conditions of the jar16, for example, glass, stainless steel or aluminum.

In the preferred embodiments, the jar 16 is comprised of an inner jar 16c and an outer jar 16 d. The inner jar 16 c is removably mountable toouter jar 16 d and the inner and outer jars 16 c, 16 d define aninsulating cavity 81 when they are mounted to each other. The insulatingcavity 81 is preferably defined between an outer surface of the innerjar 16 c and an inner surface of the outer jar 16 d in the assembledconfiguration. Air is preferably captured in the insulating cavity 81and acts as an insulator to reduce heat conduction through the walls ofthe jar 16. Accordingly, relatively cold ingredients placed into the jar16 typically retain their cold temperature longer when compared to a jar16 having no insulating cavity 81 and, likewise, relatively hotingredients retain their hot temperature comparatively longer whenstored in the jar 16. The handle 16 a is preferably integrallyconstructed with the inner jar 16 c and extends from an upper portion ofthe inner jar 16 c. However, the handle 16 a may also be secured to theouter jar 16 d or portions of the handle 16 a may be constructed on boththe inner and outer jars 16 c, 16 d. The inner and outer jars 16 c, 16 dare preferably dishwasher-safe. The jar 16 is not limited toconstructions including the inner and outer jars 16 c, 16 d and may beconstructed of a one-piece jar 16, as is typical in the blender jar artor other alternate constructions.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in the preferred embodiments, the outer jar 16 dincludes an upper end 82 and the inner jar 16 c includes a locatingridge 84, which is preferably proximate the mouth 16 b of the jar 16.When the inner jar 16 c is mounted to the outer jar 16 d, the locatingridge 84 is in facing engagement with the upper end 82. Mating of thelocating ridge 84 and upper end 82 preferably results in a generallysmooth, continuous external surface at the mating line between the innerand outer jars 16 c, 16 d. The outer jar 16 d is removably mounted tothe inner jar 16 c by a mounting mechanism adjacent the upper end 82 ofthe outer jar 16 d and the locating ridge 84 of the inner jar 16 c. Inthe preferred embodiment, the mounting mechanism is comprised oftwist-lock tabs 86 a, 86 b that extend radially outwardly from the innerjar 16 c proximate the locating ridge 84 and radially inwardly from theouter jar 16 d proximate the upper end 82. The twist-lock tabs 86 a, 86b form a bayonet-type mounting mechanism that permits twist locking ofthe inner jar 16 c to the outer jar 16 d. Accordingly, the jar 16 isdisassembled by twisting the inner jar 16 c relative to the outer jar 16d in an unlocking direction and axially moving the inner jar 16 c awayfrom the upper end 82 of the outer jar 16 d. The mounting mechanism isnot limited to the twist-lock tabs 86 a, 86 b and may be comprised ofnearly any mounting mechanism that is able to releasably mount the innerjar 16 c to the outer jar 16 d and withstand the normal operatingconditions of the dispensing blender 10. For example, the mountingmechanism may be comprised of fasteners, clamps, hook and loop materialor other like mounting mechanisms that would be obvious to one havingordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, in the preferred embodiments, the collar18 includes an upper, peripheral rim 88 that is in close proximity tothe outer jar 16 d when the outer jar 16 d is mounted to the inner jar16 c and the collar 18 is mounted to the jar 16. The outer jar 16 dpreferably includes a tab 90 including a terminal rim end 90 a. The tab90 defines a bottom of the insulating cavity 81 and preferably creates agenerally smooth transition between the outer jar 16 d and the collar 18at its root end. The terminal rim end 90 a is preferably in at leastpartial facing engagement with the inner jar 16 c proximate its mountingend to generally close the insulating cavity 81 in the preferredembodiments. The dispensing blender 10 is not limited to the inclusionof the tab 90 to close the insulating cavity 81 or to inclusion of theouter jar 16 d. For example, the dispensing blender 10 may be operatedwithout mounting the outer jar 16 d to the inner jar 16 c by mountingthe inner jar 16 c to the collar 18 and mounting the collar to the base12. However, inclusion of the outer jar 16 d in the assembly ispreferred to define the insulating cavity 81 such that the jar 16 and amixing cavity 34 of the jar 16 are insulated. In addition, theinsulating cavity 81 is not limited to being defined by the inner andouter jars 16 c, 16 d and may be constructed, for example, as a pocketintegrally molded into a one-piece jar 16.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in the preferred embodiments, the jar 16 andcollar 18 comprise a container 54 when the collar 18 is mounted to thejar 16. Foodstuff may be positioned in the container 54 through themouth 16 b for blending or storage of the foodstuff. The container 54 ispositionable upon the base 12 in an operating position such that thefoodstuff in the container 54 may be agitated or blended using a tool24.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiments, the motor 14 includesa drive shaft 14 a that extends out of the base 12 with a motor clutch14 b mounted on an end extending out of the base 12. The collar 18includes a complementary clutch 22 that is mounted to a collar shaft 18a. The clutch 22 releaseably engages the motor clutch 14 b of the driveshaft 14 a in a working position. The tool 24 is mounted to an oppositeend of the collar shaft 18 a and extends into the mixing cavity 34 ofthe container 54 in the working position. The tool 24 is drivinglyconnected to the motor 14 through the clutches 14 b, 22 such thatrotation of the drive shaft 14 a results in rotation of the tool 24. Thedrive shaft 14 a is not limited to being rotatably connected to thecollar shaft 18 a through the clutch 22 and the motor clutch 14 b andmay be rotatably connected to the collar shaft 18 a through nearly anyrotatable connection that transmits rotation of the motor shaft 14 athrough the collar shaft 18 a and into the tool 24, for example, agearing mechanism.

The preferred tool 24 and clutch 22 are mounted to opposite ends of thecollar shaft 18 a and the collar shaft 18 a is rotatably mounted in thecollar 18 in a generally central location. When the collar 18 is mountedto the base 12 in the working position, the clutch 22 engages theopposing motor clutch 14 b and when the motor 14 drives the drive shaft14 a, the motor clutch 14 b drives the clutch 22, which drives thecollar shaft 18 a and the tool 24 to blend foodstuff within thecontainer 54.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, in the preferred embodiments, the base 12includes an upwardly extending wall 26 that extends at least partiallyaround the motor clutch 14 b at the top of the base 12 and engages thecollar 18 such that the collar 18 is mountable to the base 12,preferably in one orientation. The upwardly extending wall 26 preferablyhas a horseshoe-shape in a top plan view with two ends 26 a. The collar18 includes a peripheral wall 52 having a generally semi-circularportion 52 a and a generally concave portion 52 b adjacent its front.The upwardly extending wall 26 engages the peripheral wall 52 toreleasably mount the collar 18 to the base 12 in the working positionand generally prevent significant movement of the collar 18 relative tothe base 12. Specifically, the engagement generally limits pivotalmovement of the collar 18 relative to the base 12 about the verticalaxis 76. Pivotal movement is generally limited by engagement between theends 26 a of the upwardly extending wall 26 and a transition between thesemi-circular portion 52 a and concave portion 52 b of the peripheralwall 52. The collar 18 is not limited to being removably mounted to thebase 12 in a preferred orientation through the upwardly extending wall26 and the peripheral wall 52 and may be mounted to the base 12 usingnearly any mounting mechanism including adhesive bonding, clamping,complementary ribs and grooves, bayonet locking or other like mountingmechanisms.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the preferred lid 20 includes a filler cap 28that is removably mountable within a filler hole 30 of the lid 20. Thecap 28 may be removed and replaced from and into the filler hole 30 sothat foodstuff or other ingredients may be inserted into the jar 16during operation without removing the lid 20 from the jar 16. Inaddition, the filler cap 28 may be replaced into the filler hole 30after ingredients have been inserted into the jar 16 such that blendingfoodstuff is not thrown from the filler hole 30. The jar 16 is notlimited to the inclusion of the lid 20 nor is the lid 20 limited to theinclusion of the cap 28, as will be understood by one having ordinaryskill in the art. For example, the dispensing blender 10 may beconfigured with a jar 16 having an open mouth 16 b and no lid 20,preferably if the tool 24 does not rotate at a speed that may causeblending foodstuff to be thrown out of the mouth 16 b.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, in the preferred embodiments, a dispensing spout32 is mounted to the collar 18. At least a portion of the dispensingspout 32 is movable to an open position (FIG. 5) wherein blended orother foodstuff within the jar 16 is able to flow from the jar 16,through the collar 18 and out of the dispensing spout 32 and a closedposition (FIGS. 3 and 4) wherein the blended foodstuff is blocked fromflowing out of the dispensing spout 32. In the preferred embodiments,the dispensing spout 32 includes a dispensing head 32 a with a spoutmouth 32 c, a spout lid 32 d that is mounted to a valve pin 42 and astop valve 36 and a dispensing pipe 32 b. The spout lid 32 d ispreferably removably mountable to the head 32 a by a set of threads. Thedispensing head 32 a, spout lid 32 d and dispensing pipe 32 b arepreferably constructed of a polymeric material and the head 32 a andpipe 32 b are generally hollow. The hollow portions of the head 32 a andpipe 32 b form at least a portion of a channel 70 that is in fluidcommunication with a basin 18 b of the collar 18 in an assembledconfiguration. The basin 18 b is preferably located at the lowestportion of the mixing cavity 34 adjacent the tool 24 in the assembledconfiguration. The dispensing spout 32 is not limited to beingconstructed of a polymeric material and may be constructed of nearly anymaterial that is able to take on the general shape of the dispensingspout 32 and withstand the normal operating conditions of the dispensingspout 32. For example, the dispensing spout 32 may be constructed of ametallic material.

In the preferred embodiments, the dispensing spout 32 is removablymountable to the collar 18 such that the dispensing spout 32 may beseparated from the dispensing blender 10 for cleaning purposes. The pipe32 b of the dispensing spout 32 preferably includes a fasteningmechanism (not shown) that mates with a complementary fasteningmechanism 33 a on a pipe 96, which extends from the collar 18. The pipe96 is generally hollow and is in communication with the basin 18 b. Thepreferred fastening mechanisms 33 a between the pipe 96 of the collar 18and the pipe 32 b of the dispensing spout 32 permit twist-locking of thedispensing spout 32 to the collar 18. Specifically, the most preferredfastening mechanisms 33 a permit engaging and disengaging of thedispensing spout 32 relative to the collar 18 by one-quarter twistengagement. One-quarter twist engagement is preferred such that thedispensing spout 32 is quickly and easily removable from the collar 18,when compared to a threaded fastening mechanism that may requiremultiple rotations or twists to engage and/or disengage the dispensingspout 32 from the collar 18. However, the fastening mechanisms are notlimited to one-quarter twist engagements and may be comprised of nearlyany fastening device that permits removable mounting of the dispensingspout 32 relative to the collar 18. In addition, one having ordinaryskill in the art will realize that the dispensing spout 32 may be fixedto the collar 18.

The dispensing spout 32 is not limited to being mounted to the collar 18and may be mounted to the jar 16 such that foodstuff may be dispensedfrom the mixing cavity 34. However, mounting of the dispensing spout 32to the collar 18 is preferred such that the pipe 32 b is at the samelever or below a lowest portion of the mixing cavity 34 and any hole orpenetration in the container 54 is in the collar 18. Mounting thedispensing spout 32 in the collar 18 eliminates the introduction of ahole in the jar 16 and the need to seal the hole. For example, if aglass jar 16 is utilized and the dispensing spout 32 is mounted to thejar 16, introduction of a hole in a glass jar 16 is typically difficultand may be difficult to seal. Further, utilizing a double-walled jar 16for insulating purposes with the dispensing blender 10 would necessitateintroduction of two holes through the walls of the inner and outer jars16 c, 16 d, which is typically more difficult that the introduction of asingle hole. Accordingly, the dispensing spout 32 is preferably mountedto the collar 18 as opposed to the jar 16 but is not so limited.

Referring to FIG. 1A, in the preferred embodiments, a spout cap 100 isremovably mountable to the pipe 96 through releasable engagement withthe fastening mechanisms 33 a. The spout cap 100 is preferablyreleasably mounted to the pipe 96 through the same one-quarter twistengagement, but is similarly not so limited. The spout cap 100 ismounted to the pipe 96 when the spout 32 is not utilized. The spout cap100 blocks the flow of fluid from the pipe 96 and basin 18 b duringblending and otherwise permits operation of the dispensing blender 10 inthe manner of a typical blender, as would be obvious to one havingordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the stop valve 36 is preferably verticallyslideable within the dispensing head 32 a between the closed position,wherein blended foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the spout mouth32 c and the open position, wherein the blended foodstuff within the jar16 is able to flow from the jar 16, through the basin 18 b, through thedispensing pipe 32 b, beyond the stop valve 36 and out of the mouth 32c. The stop valve 36 is preferably constructed of a generally flexible,polymeric material, such as a rubber-type material, but is not solimited. In the preferred embodiments, the stop valve 36 blocks thechannel 70 in the closed position and slides out of the channel 70 inthe open position.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, in the preferred embodiments, a first actuationlever 38 is mounted to the dispensing spout 32 through a hub 40. Thefirst actuation lever 38 is movable to a dispensing position (FIG. 5)wherein the lever 38 urges the dispensing spout 32 to the open positionand to a resting position (FIGS. 1-3) wherein the lever 38 urges thedispensing spout 32 to the closed position. In the preferredembodiments, the first actuation lever 38 is pivotally mounted to thedispensing spout 32 such that it is pivotable between the dispensing andresting positions.

The first actuation lever 38 is preferably pivotally mounted to the hub40, which extends generally upwardly from the dispensing pipe 32 b. Thefirst actuation lever 38 preferably includes an actuation shaft 38 cthat is snap-fit onto the hub 40 such that the lever 38 is pivotably andremovably mounted to the hub 40. The first actuation lever 38 alsopreferably includes a cover 39 that shields the actuation shaft 38 c andhub 40 from a user in the assembled configuration and generally preventsforeign objects from contacting the actuation shaft 38 c and hub 40. Thevalve end 38 a of the first actuation lever 38 is preferably positionedabove the dispensing spout 32 in the assembled configuration and ismounted to the valve pin 42, which is engaged with the stop valve 36.The first actuation lever 38 is preferably removably mounted to thedispensing spout 32 by a snap-fit between the actuation shaft 38 c andhub 40. In addition, the threads between the dispensing head 32 a andthe spout lid 32 d may be released such that the valve pin 42 and stopvalve 36 may be removed from the head 32 a with the first actuationlever 38. Therefore, the first actuation lever 38, valve pin 42 and stopvalve 36 may be removed from and replaced onto the container 54 forcleaning purposes. The first actuation lever 38 is not limited to beingremovably mounted to the hub 40 via the above-described snap-fit and maybe fixed or otherwise mounted to the dispensing spout 32. However,removable snap-fitting of the first actuation lever 38 to the hub 40 ispreferred such that the components may be quickly separated for cleaningpurposes.

The first actuation lever 38 is preferably mounted to the dispensingspout 32 such that when the valve end 38 a pivots about a first axis 44,the valve pin 42 moves relative to the dispensing head 32 a and the stopvalve 36 moves with the valve pin 42. Accordingly, when the firstactuation lever 38 is positioned in the dispensing position, the valveend 38 a is pivoted away from the dispensing spout 32, moving the valvepin 42 and stop valve 36 upwardly in the dispensing head 32 a. In thisdispensing position of the first actuation lever 38, the dispensingspout 32 is in the open position and the channel 70 is open because thestop valve 36 is moved out of the channel 70. In contrast, when thefirst actuation lever 38 is in the resting position (FIGS. 3 and 4), thevalve end 38 a is positioned adjacent the dispensing head 32 a and thepin 42 and stop valve 36 are in a blocking or closed position. Onehaving ordinary skill in the art will realize that the specific stopvalve 36 and valve pin 42 are not limiting and the dispensing blender 10may utilize nearly any valve or other mechanism that is able toselectively block fluid flow through the channel 70.

In the preferred embodiments, the dispensing spout 32 is biased towardthe closed position and the first actuation lever 38 is biased towardthe resting position by a spring 46. The preferred spring 46 iscomprised of a compression spring associated with the stop valve 36 andapplies a force between the spout lid 32 d of the dispensing spout 32and either the pin 42 or the stop valve 36 to urge the dispensing spout32 to the closed position. Therefore, in the preferred embodiments, thedispensing spout 32 is biased toward the closed position by the spring46 and the first actuation lever 38 is biased toward the restingposition by the spring 46. The dispensing blender 10 is not limited tothe inclusion of the spring 46 and may employ nearly any mechanism thatis able to selectively open and close the dispensing spout 32. Forexample, the stop valve 36 may be constructed of a spring-like materialthat urges the stop valve 36 toward the closed position or the stopvalve 36 may be electronically actuated between the open and closedpositions.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 3, 4, 6 and 7, in the preferred embodiments, thecollar 18 includes a first end 18 c and a second end 18 d. A firstcoupling mechanism 48 is located at the first end 18 c and a secondcoupling mechanism 50 is located at the second end 18 d. The firstcoupling mechanism 48 removably mounts the collar 18 to the jar 16 atajar base 16 e through a coupling tab 48 b and the second couplingmechanism 50 removably mounts the collar 18 to the base 12.

In the preferred embodiments, the first coupling mechanism 48 iscomprised of a bayonet-type lock that removably mounts the jar 16 to thecollar 18. The bayonet-type lock is preferably comprised of the couplingtabs 48 b proximate a mounting end of the inner jar 16 c andbayonet-type grooves 48 a proximate the basin 18 d. The bayonet-typelock preferably seals the mixing cavity 34 such that blending or blendedfoodstuff does not leak from between the collar 18 and jar 16. Thebayonet-type lock is not limiting and may be comprised of nearly anymounting mechanism that removably mounts the jar 16 to the collar 18 andis able to withstand the normal operating conditions of the dispensingblender 10.

The second coupling mechanism 50 is preferably comprised of the lowerperipheral wall 52 of the collar 18 and the upwardly extending wall 26of the base 12. The second coupling mechanism 50 is not limited to theabove-described complimentary walls 26, 52 of the base 12 and collar 18,respectively. The second couplings mechanism 50 may be comprised ofnearly any coupling mechanism that is able to removably mount the collar18 to the base 12. For example, the base 12 may include ribs (not shown)that extend into slots (not shown) in the collar 18 to removably mountthe collar 18 to the base 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, in the preferred embodiments, a cupactuation lever 56 is mounted to the base 12 and is movable to adispensing position wherein the dispensing spout 32 is urged to the openposition and a resting position wherein the dispensing spout 32 is urgedto the closed position. The cup actuation lever 56 is preferablypivotally mounted to the base 12 on a cup axis 58 by a yoke 62 thatengages the cup actuation lever 56 at a pair of pivot nubs 56 a. Thepivot nubs 56 a are preferably snap-fit into the yoke 62 such that thecup actuation lever 56 is pivotable about the cup axis 58, but is not solimited. The preferred cup actuation lever 56 also includes a generallyconcave, oval-shaped cup bumper 64 and an engagement end 56 b oppositethe bumper 64. In the working position, the engagement end 56 b is insliding engagement with a lever end 38 b of the first actuation lever38. When the cup actuation lever 56 pivots about the cup axis 58 fromthe resting position to the dispensing position, the engagement end 56 bpivots away from the collar 18, contacts the lever end 38 b and urgesthe lever end 38 b away from the collar 18. This movement causes thefirst actuation lever 38 to pivot about the first axis 44 from theresting position to the dispensing position. Therefore, by manipulatingthe cup actuation lever 56 in this manner, the first actuation lever 38pivots to move the dispensing spout 32 between the closed and openpositions. In addition, the preferred cup actuation lever 56 is biasedto the resting position by the spring 46, pin 42 and first actuationlever 38 in the working position. The cup actuation lever 56 is alsopreferably biased to the resting position when the collar 18 is notmounted to the base 12 by a spring (not shown) that typically preventsthe cup bumper 64 from contacting a surface of the base 12 within a cuprelief section 60.

In the preferred embodiment, the container 54 is comprised of theassembled jar 16 and collar 18 and may be removed from the base 12. Thecontainer 54 may be placed onto a countertop or other, generally planarsupport surface 80 on the second end 18 d without interference becausethe cup actuation lever 56 is mounted to the base 12, as opposed to thecollar 18. In addition, the first actuation lever 38 does not extendbelow a plane of the second end 18 d in the preferred embodiments.Accordingly, when the container 54 removed from the base 12, thegenerally planar second end 18 d is typically the lowermost surface andsupports the container 54 on the support surface 80, which is oftencomprised of a countertop 80. In contrast, if the cup actuation lever 56were mounted to the collar 18, the container 54 would not rest on thecountertop 80 without interference from the cup actuation lever 56because the lever 56 would contact the countertop 80 prior to thegenerally planar second end 18 d. The cup actuation lever 56 is notlimited to being pivotally mounted to the base 12 and may be mounted tothe collar 18 or to the jar 16. In addition, the container 54 is notlimited to being positionable on the countertop 80 on the second end 18d.

Referring to FIG. 1A, in the preferred embodiments, the filler cap 28,lid 20, inner jar 16 c, outer jar 16 d, collar 18, first actuation lever38 which is secured to the stop valve 36 and valve pin 42, dispensingspout 32 and cup actuation lever 56 are separable as individualcomponents and are dishwasher-safe. Accordingly, these components of thedispensing blender 10 may be disassembled and placed into a dishwasherfor cleaning. The components may then be configured in the assembledconfiguration on the base 12 for use. Accordingly, the base 12 ispreferably the only component of the dispensing blender 10 thatgenerally is not dishwasher-safe but is not so limited.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, in a second preferred embodiment, thedispensing blender 10 includes a second actuation lever 66 mounted tothe container 54 that is moveable between an activated position and ablocking position (FIG. 8). The dispensing blender 10 of the secondpreferred embodiment includes each of the above-described components ofthe first preferred embodiment as well as the second actuation lever 66.In the second preferred embodiment, the dispensing spout 32 is urged tothe open position when one of the first actuation lever 38 is in thedispensing position and the second actuation lever 66 is in an activatedposition.

The second actuation lever 66 is preferably pivotally mounted to the pin42 at an upper end 42 a of the pin 42. The preferred second actuationlever 66 includes a handle 66 a and a nose 66 b that may be positionedin contact with the spout lid 32 d. In the blocking position, the spring46 urges the second actuation lever 66 toward the dispensing spout 32.To move the second actuation lever 66 from the blocking position to theactivated position, a force F is applied to the handle 66 a causing thenose 66 b to contact the spout lid 32 d. When the force F is largeenough to overcome the biasing force of the spring 46, the secondactuation lever 66 pivots about the upper end 42 a such that the pin 42moves upwardly and away from the mouth 32 c. Because of theconfiguration of the second actuation lever 66 and its pivotal mountingto the upper end 42, further application of the force F causes the nose66 b to slide on the spout lid 32 d in the direction of the pin 42 andthe pin 42 to move further away from the mouth 32 c. As the pin 42 movesfurther away from the mouth 32 c, the stop valve 36 moves upwardly inthe dispensing spout 32 and the channel 70 is opened to allow blendedfoodstuff to flow out of the mouth 32 c.

Referring to FIGS. 3-8, in the preferred embodiments, the channel 70 isdefined by the hollow in the dispensing pipe 32 b and dispensing head 32a and a hollow in a pipe 96 in the collar 18 leading from the basin 18 bto the dispensing spout 32. A hole 68 in the basin 18 b separates thepipe 96 from the basin 18 b. The stop valve 36 selectively opens andcloses the channel 70 to either selectively prevent foodstuff fromflowing out of the jar 16 or basin 18 b through the mouth 32 c. Blendedfoodstuff or other ingredients within the basin 18 b may flow throughthe hole 68 and channel 70 when the dispensing spout 32 is in the openposition. In addition, the dispensing spout 32 is preferably removablymounted to the pipe 96 for cleaning purposes.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, in the preferred embodiments, the basin18 b includes a pitched surface 72 at its bottom that urges blendedfoodstuff toward the hole 68 and channel 70 through the force ofgravity. In the preferred embodiments, the hole 68 is located at thelowest portion of the basin 18 b such that preferably all of thefoodstuff from the mixing cavity 34 is eventually urged by the force ofgravity along the pitched surface 72 toward the hole 68. Therefore,blended foodstuff is typically not stuck in the basin 18 b. The basin 18b is not limited to the inclusion of the pitched surface 72 and mayinclude a generally horizontal or cone-shaped surface, withoutsignificantly impacting the operation of the dispensing blender 10.However, the pitched surface 72 is preferred such that foodstuff isgenerally not blocked or stuck in the basin 18 b because of the geometryof the basin 18 b and/or the location of the hole 68 with respect to thebasin 18 b.

In the preferred embodiments, the collar shaft 18 a and drive shaft 14 aextend coaxially along a drive axis 74 in the working position. Thedrive axis 74 is located generally perpendicular relative to the pitchedsurface 72. In the preferred embodiments, the drive axis 74 is pitchedat a basin angle Δ (FIG. 3) relative to the vertical axis 76. Thepreferred basin angle Δ is between approximately five and fifteendegrees (5 and 15°) but is not so limited. For example, the drive axis74 may be positioned along the vertical axis 76 or may be pitchedrelative to the vertical axis 76 at a greater or smaller angle than theabove-described preferred basin angles Δ.

In the preferred embodiments, at least a portion of a blending blade 24a of the tool 24 extends below a generally horizontal plane 78 of anupper edge of the hole 68 and channel 70 such that the tool 24 urgesblended foodstuff into the hole 68 and channel 70 when the tool 24 isdriven. That is, the blending blade 24 a, which extends below thehorizontal plane 78, directly urges blended foodstuff from the basin 18b, through the hole 68 and into the channel 70. If the blending blade 24a is positioned above the horizontal plane 78, the blade 24 a typicallyurges foodstuff directly toward a side of the jar 16 or an upper portionof the basin 18 b, but generally not directly into the hole 68. Onehaving ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the positioning ofthe blending blade 24 a below the horizontal plane 78 is a preferredconfiguration and the dispensing blender 10 will operate without theblending blade 24 a being positioned below the horizontal plane 78. Inaddition, the pitch of the tool 24 relative to the vertical axis 76along drive axis 74 enhances the urging of the blending foodstuff towardthe hole 68, as will be understood by one having ordinary skill in theart.

In the preferred embodiments, the tool 24 includes at least two blendingblades 24 a. The blending blades 24 a include an upwardly extendingblade tip 98 a and at least one downwardly extending blade tip 98 b andthe downwardly extending blade tip 98 b extends to a position below thehorizontal plane 78 proximate a mid-point of the hole 68 as the blades24 a rotate about the drive axis 74. In the preferred embodiments, thetool 24 includes two blending blades 24 a, one of which includes twoupwardly extending blade tips 98 a and one of which includes at leastone downwardly extending blade tip 98 b. In the preferred embodiments,the at least one downwardly extending blade tip 98 b extends proximatethe mid-point of the hole 68 as the associated blade 24 a rotates aboutthe drive axis 74. Specifically, the pitch of the drive axis 74 and theat least one downwardly extending blade tip 98 b results in the bladetip 98 b extending to the position proximate the mid-point of the hole68. Accordingly, the downwardly extending blade tip 98 b and a portionof the associated blade 24 a radially inwardly from the downwardlyextending blade tip 98 b urge blending foodstuff directly into the hole68 and channel 70 as the tool 24 rotates on the drive axis 74. Urgingblending foodstuff directly into the hole 68 is preferred to promotedispensing of the foodstuff from the mixing cavity 34 and basin 18 b.

Referring to FIGS. 1A, 3 and 9, in the preferred embodiments, the innerjar 16 c includes first and second bumps 92 a, 92 b extending radiallyinwardly from an internal surface 94 of the inner jar 16 c toward avertical axis 76, in the assembled configuration. The jar 16 ispreferably concentrically mounted on the base 12 along the vertical axis76. The bumps 92 a, 92 b extend upwardly from a lower portion of theinner jar 16 c toward the mouth 16 b and provide a surface discontinuityor obstacle on the inner surface of the jar 16. The bumps 92 a, 92 bpreferably impart turbulence or otherwise alter the flow pattern in theblending foodstuff in the mixing cavity 34 to improve blending andmixing. In the preferred embodiments, the bumps 92 a, 92 b are spaced onthe internal surface 94 at a bump angle θ relative to the vertical axis76, in an assembled configuration. The preferred bump angle θ isapproximately one hundred twenty degrees (120°) but is not so limited.The bumps 92 a, 92 b generally cooperate with the blending tool 24 tomix and agitate the foodstuff as it is blended in the jar 16, as will bedescribed in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 8-12, the first and second bumps 92 a, 92 bpreferably extend radially inwardly toward the vertical axis 76 suchthat first and second inner humps 93 a, 93 b are closest to an upwardlyextending blade tip 98 a of the blending tool 24 as the upwardlyextending blade tip 98 a rotates about a drive axis 74. A broken tipsweep line 25 shows the travel of the upwardly extending blade tip 98 aas the blending tool 24 rotates about the drive axis 74. The upwardlyextending blade tip 98 a comes into closer proximity to the first innerhump 93 a of the first bump 92 a when compared to the proximity of theupwardly extending blade tip 98 b and the second inner hump 93 b as theblending tool 24 rotates about the drive axis 74. That is, because ofthe pitch of the drive axis 74 with respect to the vertical axis 76 andthe concentric mounting of the jar 16 on the vertical axis 76, the tipsweep 25 of the upwardly extending blade tip 98 a is such that the bladetip 98 a is not at a constant distance from the internal surface 94 ofthe jar 16 or the inner humps 93 a, 93 b, as would be the case in aconventional blender. Specifically, in the preferred embodiments, theupwardly extending blade tip 98 a is closest to the internal surface 94of the jar 16 when the blade tip 98 a is closest to a hole 68 in thebasin 18 b because the blending tool 24 is pitched toward the hole 68 tourge the blending foodstuff toward and into the hole 68. Accordingly,the upwardly extending blade tip 98 a preferably comes into closerproximity to the inner humps 93 a, 93 b as the humps 93 a, 93 b arepositioned closer to the hole 68 in the assembled configuration. Thepitch of the blending tool 24 on the drive axis 74 and the resultingvariable distance of the blade tips 98 a, 98 b relative to the internalsurface 94 of the jar 16 provides additional blending flow variationsthat may be manipulated to improve blending of the foodstuff within thejar 16. The jar 16 and bumps 92 a, 92 b are not limited to theabove-described configuration and may be constructed having nearly anyshape and size. However, the above-listed configuration of the bumps 92a, 92 b and their relation to the blending tool 24 and the internalsurface 94 of the jar 16 is preferred because bumps 92 a, 92 b havingthis construction have been shown to effectively blend and mix foodstuffwithin the jar 16.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, in the preferred embodiments, the upwardlyextending blade tip 98 a comes into closer proximity to the first innerhump 93 a than the second inner hump 93 b as the blending tool 24rotates about the drive axis 74 and the blade tip 98 a travels along thetip sweep 25. Specifically, a first gap X defines the distance betweenthe upwardly extending blade tip 98 a and the first inner hump 93 a whenthe blade tip 98 a is closest to the first inner hump 93 a and a secondgap Y defines the distance between the upwardly extending blade tip 98 aand the second inner hump 93 b when the blade tip 98 a is closes to thesecond inner hump 93 b. The first gap X is approximately elevenhundredths of an inch (0.11″) and the second gap Y is approximatelyforty-eight hundredths of an inch (0.48″) in the preferred dispensingblender 10. The first and second gaps X, Y are not limited to thesespecific dimensions and may have nearly any length depending upon theorientation of the inner bumps 92 a, 92 b, the size and construction ofthe jar 16, the size and construction of the blending tool 24 and othervariables that would be obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art.

The variable distance of the blade tips 98 a, 98 b relative to theinternal surface 94 of the jar 16 and the inner humps 93 a, 93 b of thebumps 92 a, 92 b may also be accomplished by mounting the tool 24 on anoff-center axis (not shown) that is generally parallel to the verticalaxis 76 but not coaxial with the vertical axis 76. As the tool 24rotates on the off-center axis, the blade tips 98 a, 98 b are located ata variable distance from the internal surface of the jar 16, as would beobvious to one having ordinary skill in the art. The variable distanceof the blade tips 98 a, 98 b from the internal surface 94 of the jar 16,the inner humps 93 a, 93 b or an inner surface of the basin 18 b mayalso favorably impact the flow characteristics of the foodstuff in themixing cavity 34 when the dispensing blender 10 is in operation.

The bumps 92 a, 92 b may be constructed having a size and shape and toperform in a manner similar to blenderjar bumps described in detail inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/052,338, which is incorporatedherein by reference. The container 54 may also include additionalfeatures of the blender jar described in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/052,338 to impart turbulence in or modify and potentially improvethe flow and mixing of the foodstuff within the jar 16.

One having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the jar 16 is notlimited to the inclusion of the bumps 92 a, 92 b or to theabove-described spacing of the bumps 92 a, 92 b on the internal surface94. The bumps 92 a, 92 b may be constructed to have nearly any shape andmay be located at nearly any position on the internal surface 94 of thejar 16 within the mixing cavity 34 to cooperate with the blending tool24 to mix and agitate the foodstuff. For example, the jar 16 may beconstructed with a relatively smooth, continuous internal surface 94without any bumps 92 a, 92 b or may be constructed with a plurality ofbumps having various sizes and shapes positioned on the internal surface94 or within the mixing cavity 34.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, in the preferred embodiments, the cuprelief section 60 is located in a front surface of the base 12 and has agenerally concave shape that accommodates the pivotal movement of thecup actuation lever 56 and a cup (not shown) that is generally utilizedto actuate the cup actuation lever 56. The cup may be used to actuatethe cup actuation lever 56 by engaging and depressing the cup bumper 64toward the base 12 and into the cup relief section 60. In the dispensingposition, the cup bumper 64 is positioned in the cup relief section 60and the cup is positioned under the mouth 32 c of the dispensing spout32.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and 8, in the preferred embodiments, the motor14, motor shaft 14 a and collar shaft 18 a are aligned along the driveaxis 74 and are pitched relative to the vertical axis 76. The motor 14is preferably pitched toward a rear of the base 12, which providesclearance and space for the cup relief section 60 at the front of thebase 12 when compared to a typical blender where the motor would bealigned or centered along the vertical axis 76. Accordingly, therearward pitch of the motor 14 provides additional space for themovement of the cup actuation lever 56. Further, the additional spacepermits the dispensing spout 32 to be located comparatively close to thevertical axis 76 when compared to a conventional blender and shortensthe distance between the hole 68 and the mouth 32 c of the dispensingspout 32. It is preferred to have a relatively short distance betweenthe hole 68 and the mouth 32 c such that the distance that the blendedfoodstuff must flow through the channel 70 is limited, as will beunderstood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

Alignment of the motor 14, motor shaft 14 a and collar shaft 18 a alongthe pitched drive axis 74 also pitches the tool 24 relative to thevertical axis 76. Pitching of the drive axis 74 promotes formation of avortex around the drive axis 74 as opposed to around the vertical axis76. In a conventional blender having a tool that is aligned on thevertical axis 76, a vortex may form along the vertical axis 76, which isin alignment with a longitudinal axis of the conventional jar orcontainer. The drive axis 74 is not in alignment with a longitudinalaxis of the jar 16 and container 54 and formation of a vortex along thedrive axis 74 offsets the vortex from the jar 16 and container 54longitudinal axis, which is the vertical axis 76. Offsetting of thevortex in the jar 16 and container 54 typically results in additionalturbulence in the flow of material in the mixing cavity 34 when comparedto the typical vortex. This pitching of the vortex works in concert withthe first and second bumps 92 a, 92 b to agitate and create turbulencein the blending foodstuff within the mixing cavity 34. Additionalturbulence typically results in improved mixing results in thedispensing blender 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, in operation, the jar 16 is assembled by slidingthe upper end 82 of the outer jar 16 d into contact with the locatingridge 84 of the inner jar 16 c and twisting the outer jar 16 d relativeto the inner jar 16 c such that the twist-lock tabs 86 a, 86 b engage.When the jar 16 is assembled, the terminal rib end 90 a is preferably inat least partial facing engagement with the inner jar 16 c closing theinsulating cavity 81. The cup actuation lever 56 is mounted to the base12 by snap-fitting the pivot nubs 56 a into the yoke 62. The firstactuation lever 38 is mounted to the dispensing spout 32 by engaging theactuation shaft 38 c with the hub 40 and sliding the stop valve 36 intothe dispensing head 32 a such that the dispensing head 32 a may bethreadably engaged with the spout lid 32 d. The dispensing spout 32 ismounted to the pipe 96 utilizing the fastening mechanism 33 a. The jar16 is mounted to the collar 18 with the bayonet-type lock such that thefirst coupling mechanism 48 a engages the coupling tab 48 b to form thecontainer 54. When the jar 16 is mounted to the collar 18, the tab 90 ispreferably in close proximity with the peripheral rim 88. The container54 is mounted to the base 12 by engaging the second coupling mechanism50 between the collar 18 and the base 12. Specifically, the peripheralwall 52 of the collar 18 engages the upwardly extending wall 26 of thebase 12 such that the ends 26 a of the upwardly extending wall 26 areseated in the transition between the concave section 52 b and thesemi-circular section 52 a of the peripheral wall 52. When the container54 is mounted to the base 12, the engagement end 56 b of the cupactuation lever 56 is adjacent the lever end 38 b of the first actuationlever 38 and the clutch 22 on the collar 18 is engaged with the motorclutch 14 b. Foodstuff is inserted into the jar 16 through the mouth 16b, the lid 20 is positioned over the mouth 16 b such that the foodstuffis enclosed in the container 54 and the cap 28 is inserted into thecentral hole 30. Additional foodstuff may be inserted into the mixingcavity 34 by removing the filler cap 28, inserting the foodstuff throughthe central hole 30 and replacing the filler cap 28.

The motor 14 is powered by plugging in an electric cord 55 and isactuated to drive the drive shaft 14 a by depressing one of the buttonson the control panel 12 a. The tool 24 is driven by the motor 14 throughthe collar shaft 18 a, the clutch 22, the motor clutch 14 b and themotor shaft 14 a to blend the foodstuff. The blended and blendingfoodstuff is urged from the basin 18 b toward the hole 68 by the forceof gravity and by the urging of the tool 24, which includes at least oneblending blade 24 a that extends below the horizontal plane 78 proximatethe hole 68. Specifically, the at least one downwardly extending bladetip 98 b preferably extends to a mid-portion of the hole 68. The stopvalve 36 generally prevents the blended and blending foodstuff fromflowing out of the mouth 32 c when the dispensing spout 32 is in theclosed position. In addition, the pitch of the tool 24, which is alignedalong the drive axis 74 and the inclusion of the first and second bumps92 a, 92 b on the inner surface 94 of the inner jar 16 c generallyincrease turbulence in the flow of foodstuff within the mixing cavity 34and promote generally even mixing of the foodstuff.

To dispense foodstuff from the spout 32, a cup is engaged with the cupbumper 64, urging the cup bumper 64 toward the base 12 and causing thecup actuation lever 56 to pivot about the cup axis 58. The engagementend 56 b moves away from the collar 18, urging the lever end 38 b tomove away from the collar 18 and causing the first actuation lever 38 topivot about the first axis 44 such that the valve end 38 a pivotsupwardly and away from the dispensing spout 32. Pivoting of the valveend 38 a away from the dispensing spout 32 urges the pin 42 and stopvalve 36 upwardly in the dispensing head 32 a and out of the channel 70against the force of the spring 46. When the dispensing spout 32 is inthis open position, the blended foodstuff may flow out of the mouth 32 cand into the cup which is actuating the cup actuation lever 56. Thepitched surface 72 urges blended foodstuff toward the hole 68 andchannel 70 and the location of the hole 68 in the lowest portion of thebasin 18 b permits a majority of the foodstuff to flow into the channel70. The tool 24 may be actuated to rotate when the dispensing spout 32is in the open position to urge the blended foodstuff from the basin 18b into the channel 70 or may be actuated to an off position to allowgravity to urge the blended foodstuff out of the mouth 32 c.Alternatively, the first actuation lever 38 may be manually pivoted suchthat the valve end 38 a moves upwardly and the stop valve 36 moves outof the channel 70.

The container 54 may also be disengaged from the base 12 such that theblended foodstuff may be carried by a user in the container 54. When thecontainer 54 is disengaged from the base 12, the cup actuation lever 56is retained in the yoke 62 on the base 12 and the dispensing spout 32and first actuation lever 38 are retained with the container 54 mountedto the collar 18. The generally planar second end 18 d of the collar 18may be positioned on a generally planar support surface to relieve theuser from constantly carrying the blended foodstuff filled container 54.The container 54 is generally able to maintain the temperature of theblended foodstuff due to the insulating cavity 81 of the jar 16 and thecontainer 54 may be transported without the base 12. In addition, theblended foodstuff may be dispensed from the dispensing spout 32 when thecontainer 54 is removed from the base 12 by manually actuating the firstactuation lever 38 such that the stop valve 36 moves out of the channel70. When the container 54 is emptied of blended foodstuff, the container54 may be refilled with ingredients and returned to the base 12 foradditional blending.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the second preferred embodiment, in addition toactuating the first actuation lever 38 with or without the cup actuationlever 56 to move the dispensing spout 32 to the open position, thesecond actuation lever 66 may be actuated to the activated position tomove the dispensing spout 32 to the open position. Specifically, theforce F is applied to the handle 66, causing the nose 66 b to impact thespout lid 32 d and the handle 66 a to pivot about the upper end 42 a ofthe valve pin 42. The nose 66 slides toward the pin 42 as additionalforce F is applied to the handle 66 a, causing the pin 42 to moveupwardly against the force of the spring 46. When the second actuationlever 66 is in the activated position, the dispensing spout 32 is in theopen position and the channel 70 is at least partially open, therebyallowing blended foodstuff to flow out of the mouth 32 c. Releasing theforce F from the handle 66 a causes the second actuation lever 66 toreturn to the blocking position under the force of the spring 46 and thedispensing spout 32 to be actuated to the closed position. The secondactuation lever 66 may be employed to dispense foodstuff regardless ofwhether the container 54 is mounted to or removed from the base 12.

The inclusion of the second actuation lever 66 is particularlyconvenient when the container 54 is transported away from the base 12.Specifically, the second actuation lever 66 may be utilized to actuatethe dispensing spout 32 to the open position such that the blendedfoodstuff flows through the channel 70 and out of the mouth 32 c.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but isintended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A dispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstufftherefrom, the dispensing blender comprising: a base enclosing a motor;a jar removably mountable to the base; a collar removably mountablebetween the base and the jar; a cup actuation lever pivotably andremovably mounted to the base, the cup actuation lever is pivotablebetween a resting position and a dispensing position; and a dispensingspout mounted to the collar, at least a portion of the dispensing spoutbeing movable to an open position when the cup actuation lever is in thedispensing position wherein foodstuff within the jar is able to flowfrom the jar, through the collar and out of the dispensing spout and aclosed position when the cup actuation lever is in the resting positionwherein the foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the dispensingspout.
 2. The dispensing blender of claim 1 wherein the motor includes adrive shaft that extends out of the base, the collar including a clutchthat releasably engages the drive shaft and a tool extending into thejar in a working position, the tool being drivingly connected to theclutch such that rotation of the drive shaft results in rotation of thetool.
 3. The dispensing blender of claim 1 further comprising: a firstactuation lever mounted to the dispensing spout, the first actuationlever being movable to a dispensing position wherein the first actuationlever urges the dispensing spout to the open position and a restingposition wherein the first actuation lever urges the dispensing spout tothe closed position.
 4. The dispensing blender of claim 3 wherein thedispensing spout is biased toward the closed position and the firstactuation lever is biased toward the resting position.
 5. The dispensingblender of claim 3 wherein the first actuation lever is pivotallymounted to the dispensing spout.
 6. The dispensing blender of claim 3wherein the dispensing spout includes a hub, the first actuation leverincluding an actuation shaft that is removably mounted to the hubthrough a snap-fit engagement between the hub and the actuation shaft.7. The dispensing blender of claim 1 wherein the cup actuation lever isin sliding engagement with the first actuation lever in a workingposition such that pivoting of the cup actuation lever causes anassociated pivoting of the first actuation lever.
 8. The dispensingblender of claim 7 wherein the base includes a yoke, the cup actuationlever including a pair of pivot nubs, the cup actuation lever beingremovably mounted to the base through a snap-fit engagement between thepivot nubs and the yoke.
 9. The dispensing blender of claim 1 whereinthe dispensing spout includes a movable plug that selectively seals ahole in the collar, the plug being mounted to a first actuation lever.10. The dispensing blender of claim 1 wherein the collar includes afirst end and a second end, the collar including a first couplingmechanism at the first end and a second coupling mechanism at the secondend, the first coupling mechanism removably mounting the collar to thejar at ajar base and the second coupling mechanism removably mountingthe collar to the base adjacent the drive shaft.
 11. The dispensingblender of claim 1 wherein the dispensing spout is removable from thecollar.
 12. The dispensing blender of claim 1 further comprising: aspout cap removably mountable to the collar, the spout cap being mountedto the collar exclusively when the spout is removed from the collar, thespout cap preventing foodstuff from flowing out of the collar and jarwhen the spout cap is mounted to the collar.
 13. A dispensing blenderfor blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom, thedispensing blender comprising: a base enclosing a motor; a containerremovably mountable to the base; a dispensing spout mounted to thecontainer, the dispensing spout being actuable to an open positionwherein foodstuff within the container is able to flow out of thedispensing spout and a closed position wherein the foodstuff is blockedfrom flowing out of the dispensing spout; and a cup actuation levermounted to the base, the cup actuation lever being movable to adispensing position wherein the dispensing spout is urged to the openposition and a resting position wherein the dispensing spout is urged tothe closed position.
 14. The dispensing blender of claim 13 wherein thecup actuation lever is pivotally mounted to the base.
 15. The dispensingblender of claim 13 wherein the container is comprised of a jar and acollar, the jar and collar being removably mountable to each other, thecollar being removably mounted between the jar and base in a workingposition.
 16. The dispensing blender of claim 15 wherein the spout ismounted to the collar.
 17. The dispensing blender of claim 16 whereinthe spout includes a generally cylindrically-shaped spout housing and aplug, the plug being slideable within a channel in the spout housing.18. The dispensing blender of claim 17 wherein the plug completelyblocks the channel when the spout is in the closed position, the plugbeing biased to block the channel by a spout spring.
 19. The dispensingblender of claim 17 wherein the plug is moved to a position in thechannel that does not completely block the channel when the spout is inthe open position.
 20. A dispensing blender for blending foodstuff anddispensing foodstuff therefrom, the dispensing blender comprising: abase enclosing a motor; a container removably mountable to the base; adispensing spout mounted to the container, the dispensing spout beingmovable to an open position wherein foodstuff within the container isable to flow out of the dispensing spout and a closed position whereinthe foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the dispensing spout; afirst actuation lever mounted to the container, the first actuationlever being movable between a dispensing position and a restingposition; and a second actuation lever mounted to the container, thesecond actuation lever being movable between an activated position and ablocking position, the spout being urged to the open position when oneof the first actuation lever is in the dispensing position and thesecond actuation lever is in the activated position.
 21. The dispensingblender of claim 20 wherein the container is comprised of a jar and acollar, the collar being removably mountable to the jar.
 22. Thedispensing blender of claim 21 wherein the first and second actuationlevers are pivotally mounted to the dispensing spout.
 23. The dispensingblender of claim 21 wherein the collar includes a central basin in anupper surface, a hole in the collar opening into the central basin, thehole being in fluid communication with a channel, the foodstuff flowingthrough the hole and channel when the dispensing spout is in the openposition.
 24. The dispensing blender of claim 23 wherein the centralbasin includes a pitched surface, the pitched surface urging thefoodstuff toward the hole and channel through the force of gravity. 25.The dispensing blender of claim 24 wherein the collar includes a collarshaft and the motor includes a drive shaft, the collar shaft and thedrive shaft extend coaxially along a drive axis in the working position,the drive axis located generally perpendicularly with respect to thepitched surface.
 26. The dispensing blender of claim 23 furthercomprising: a blending blade rotatably mounted to the collar and beingdriven by the motor when the collar is mounted to the base, at least aportion of the blending blade extending below a generally horizontalplane of an upper edge of the hole such that the blending blade urgesfoodstuff into the hole and channel when the blending blade is driven.27. The dispensing blender of claim 20 wherein the base includes a cuprelief section in a side surface, the cup relief section accommodating apivotal movement of a cup actuation lever, the cup actuation lever beingin sliding contact with the first actuation lever.
 28. The dispensingblender of claim 27 wherein the cup relief section has a generallyconcave shape that accommodates at least a portion of the generallycylindrical shape of a cup.
 29. A dispensing blender for blendingfoodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom, the dispensing blendercomprising: a base enclosing a motor, the base being aligned along avertical axis, the vertical axis being generally perpendicular to asupport surface, the motor including a drive shaft that extends along adrive axis, the drive axis being pitched relative to the vertical axisat a basin angle; a container removably mountable to the base; and adispensing spout mounted to a collar.
 30. The dispensing blender ofclaim 29 wherein the basin angle is approximately five to fifteendegrees (50°-15°).
 31. The dispensing blender of claim 29 wherein thecontainer is comprised of a jar and a collar, the collar including acentral basin with a pitched surface, the pitched surface orientedgenerally perpendicular relative to the drive axis, the collar includinga hole that opens into the central basin, a channel being in fluidcommunication with the hole, gravity urging foodstuff on the pitchedsurface toward the hole and into the channel, the channel being in fluidcommunication with a mouth of the dispensing spout.
 32. The dispensingblender of claim 31 further comprising: a tool including at least oneblending blade mounted to a collar shaft, the collar shaft being coaxialwith the drive shaft in an assembled configuration, at least a portionof the at least a portion of one blending blade extending below ahorizontal plane of an upper edge of the hole, the horizontal planeoriented generally parallel to the support surface.
 33. The dispensingblender of claim 32 wherein the at least one blending blade includes ablade tip, the blade tip extending to a position below the horizontalplane proximate a mid-point of the hole as the blade rotates about thedrive axis.
 34. The dispensing blender of claim 31 wherein the hole islocated at a low point in the central basin.
 35. The dispensing blenderof claim 29 further comprising: a collar shaft rotatably mounted to thecontainer; a tool secured to the collar shaft; and at least one bumpextending from an internal surface of the container, the at least onebump extending radially inwardly from the internal surface toward thevertical axis.
 36. The dispensing blender of claim 35 wherein the atleast one bump is comprised of a first bump and a second bump, the firstand second bumps spaced at a bump angle from each other with respect tothe vertical axis.
 37. The dispensing blender of claim 36 wherein thebump angle is approximately one hundred twenty degrees (120°).
 38. Adispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstufftherefrom, the dispensing blender comprising: a base enclosing a motor;a container removably mountable to the base, the container comprised ofan outer jar, an inner jar and a collar, the outer jar and inner jardefining an insulating cavity; and a dispensing spout removably mountedto the container, wherein the outer jar is removably mountable to theinner jar, the insulating cavity formed between the outer jar and innerjar when the outer jar is mounted to the inner jar.
 39. The dispensingblender of claim 38 wherein the outer jar includes an upper end and theinner jar includes a locating ridge, the upper end being in facingengagement with the locating ridge when the outer jar is mounted to theinner jar.
 40. The dispensing blender of claim 39 wherein the outer jaris removably mounted to the inner jar by a mounting mechanism adjacentthe upper end of the outer jar and the locating ridge of the inner jar.41. The dispensing blender of claim 38 wherein the inner jar isremovably mountable to the collar, the collar including an upper,peripheral rim, the outer jar including a lower end that is in facingengagement with the peripheral rim when the outer jar is mounted to theinner jar and the inner jar is mounted to the collar.
 42. The dispensingblender of claim 41 wherein the outer jar includes a tab extendingradially inwardly from the lower end, the tab including a terminal rimend that is in facing engagement with the inner jar proximate a mountingend when the outer jar is mounted to the inner jar.
 43. The dispensingblender of claim 38 wherein the inner jar includes first and secondbumps extending radially inwardly from an interior surface, the firstand second bumps extending toward a vertical axis of the dispensingblender in an assembled configuration.
 44. A blender for blendingfoodstuff comprising: a base enclosing a motor, the motor including adrive shaft located on a drive axis; a jar removably mountable to thebase, an internal surface of the jar being concentric with a verticalaxis in an assembled configuration, the base being aligned on an axisparallel to the vertical axis, the drive axis oriented substantiallynon-parallel to the vertical axis; and a dispensing spout removablymounted to the jar.